The three theme parks in closest vicinity of Seoul are also three of the most well known amusement parks in Korea. Lotte World, Everland and Seoul Land are all complete entertainment complexes that play off of a theme. The term 'amusement park' may bring to mind a small park with a smattering of rides and maybe a few games, but these three parks have added zoos, gardens, and performances to the usual mix of rides, all which pertain to the park's unique theme. The thrilling and romantic theme parks of Korea - let's take a closer look at Lotte World, Everland, and Seoul Land.
Lotte World
Lotte World is a world-class indoor theme park that stands alongside the Lotte Hotel and Lotte Department Store, creating a complete resort-type feel. This is the theme park most frequented by tourists visiting Korea. Lotte World is divided into two areas - 'Adventure,' which is the indoor area of the park, and 'Magic Island,' its outdoor counterpart. The outdoor Magic Island contains most of the park's thrill rides and coasters, as well as Lotte World's castle, which provides great photo opportunities. The indoor Adventure houses many of the other attractions, best of which is the World Carnival Parade that takes place daily from 14:00 to 14:30 and from 19:30 to 20:00. Lotte World is open late 365 days of the year, and is a great destination for tourists in search of fun nighttime activities The nighttime tickets are good from 17:00 to 23:00, and the prices are cheaper than the normal daytime tickets.
Lotte World Recommended Rides and Attractions
1. Gyro Drop
After a slow 70 meter climb to the top, you rotate slowly before being plunged down at a speed of 94km an hour for duration of 2.5 seconds. It's the best thrill ride the park has to offer.
2. Gyro Swing
A new addition to the park, it combines rotating and swinging movements. With a pole at its center, the ride rotates from left to right while swinging repeatedly from side to side up to 125 degrees. If you're wearing sandals, it's a good idea to take them off because they just might go flying!
3. Folk Museum
The Folk Museum is one of the most popular areas with foreign tourists. Different from a normal museum, it shows Korean history and culture through models and animations. A traditional restaurant is also located within the museum, so it's perfect for a lunchtime visit.
Recommended Course
Giant Loof - Flume Ride - The Conquistador (Spanish Pirate Ship) - The Adventure of Sindbad - Magic Island (lunch) - Waikiki Wave (Wave Riding)- Gyro Drop - Gyro Swing - Jungle Adventure - French Revolution - Folk Museum (dinner at Jeoja Street inside the museum) - World Carnival Parade
Nearby Attractions
1. Shooting Range
The shooting range is located in the B3 floor of Lotte World. You can shoot real guns that are often shown in movies. 10 Rounds are 40,000won, regardless of the gun type.
2. Ice Rink
The Lotte World Ice Rink is located inside the Lotte World Adventure (indoor portion of the park), on the B3 floor. Surrounding the ice rink is a variety of family restaurants and ethnic culinary offerings. You can receive a 2,000won discount with a park admission ticket.
Everland
The largest theme park in Korea, Everland was selected one of the world's top five theme parks in 2002 by the U.S. 'Amusement Business.' Because Everland encompasses so much land and includes so many things to do, for visitors planning a trip to Everland, it's a good idea to do research, plan carefully, and leave early in the morning. Everland has dozens of rides along with a truly vast garden, which holds a floral festival each season. Its zoo is among Korea's best, and nearby is the Caribbean Bay water park and Hoam Art Museum for continuous explorations. Everland is also in the hospitality business - the Homebridge Hillside Hostel on the grounds (designed specifically for 4-member families) is the only one of its kind in Korea, and the Homebridge Cabins easily houses groups of 20 or more.
Everland Recommended Rides and Attractions
1. Eagle Fortress
A suspended coaster gives an airborne feel to the ride, with feet dangling over a forest of trees as you fly through the air. The coaster swings as much as 80 degrees to either side, adding to the thrill.
2. Safari World
Want to see a dancing bear? Then the Safari World is the attraction to visit. Visitors hop aboard a bus and travel through a Jurassic Park-like gate into a complex full of bears, tigers, and lions. Also available is the 'Safari Special Tour,' in which small groups can take a tour through the safari in a jeep with a Safari World guide.
3. Amazon Express
You may as well resign yourself to getting wet on this ride. Navigate the waters of the Amazon in a round-shaped raft. It's a good amount of fun and excitement.
Recommended Course
Global Fair (Photos/Souvenirs) - Break Dance - Eagle Fortress - Columbus Expedition - Flume Ride - Lunch - Bumper Cars - Rose Garden and Four Seasons Garden (Photos) - Safari World - Amazon Express
Nearby Attractions
1. Caribbean Bay
An indoor wave pool emulates the ocean's waves year-round in the Caribbean Bay water park. Exciting water rides including the 10-story high Water Bobsled offer thrills, and an amazing variety of different pools and leisure facilities make it easy to enjoy the day away.
2. Hoam art Museum
A fantastic private art museumit houses about 1200 Korean art pieces within a traditional Korean structure. Also inside the museum is the 'Huiwon,' a traditional Korean garden.
Seoul Land
Seoul Land, when compared to Everland or Lotte World, is a more family oriented theme park. There are many rides designed for children, and various themes throughout the park make for a diverse assortment of attractions. Nearby are the Seoul Grand Park and National Museum of Contemporary Art, which makes Seoul Land a perfect stop on a day's outing. New rides including the Sky-X and Shot-X Drop have been getting enthusiastic reactions from park visitors.
Seoul Land Recommended Rides and Attractions
1. Sky-X
The Sky-X is the most popular ride in Seoul Land. Groups of 2 to 3 people are bound together and raised 50m over the ground, then dropped from the sky. Reservations are necessary, and additional charges apply. Prices are as follows: 15,000won for one person, 20,000won for two people, and 25,000won for three people. To make reservations, call +82-2-504-0011 (Korean/English/Japanese/Chinese)
2. Shot-X Drop
With a repetition of speedy ascents and speedy descents, it rapidly transports riders straight up and down a 52m pole. The ride may only last for about a minute, but it takes much longer to recover from the effects.
3. Dokkaebi Wind
Seoul Land's Dokkaebi Wind ride features 360 degree rotations. It rotates rapidly for seven rounds, drawing a large circle like a tornado. Crowds gather just to watch the ride from the outside.
Recommended Course
King Viking - White Water Raft - Black Hole 2000 - Lunch on the Rose Hill - Sky-X - Shot-X Drop - Dokkaebi Wind - Dinner in the Marketplace - Band Performance in the World Plaza Fountain
Nearby Attractions
1. Seoul Grand Park
Seoul Grand Park is Korea's largest botanical garden and zoo. Seoul Grand Park is only one bus stop away from Seoul Land, making it within perfect walking distance. Spread out over an area of 196,000, it raises and keeps 3,200 animals of 360 different animals, and the botanical garden contains 1300 different plants.
2. National Museum of Contemporary Art
Visitors with an interest in Korea's Contemporary Art must make a stop here. The park includes a beautiful outdoor garden and sculpture garden.
Precautions When Visiting Theme Parks
1. Remember to take the guide map! Most parks make guide maps available near the entrance. The guide map will offer event and performance schedules as well as a map of the park grounds.
2. Plan a careful route along the guide map. Keep in mind the performance and parade times, and with careful planning, you'll be able to get the most out of your visit.
3. Watch out for loose change in your pockets and loose shoes. They might go flying on a particularly violent ride. Also, skirts and dresses are a bad choice of clothing for theme parks.
4. Keep track of your admission ticket! You'll have to show it every time you get on a ride, so it's essential that you keep it throughout the whole day.
5. If planning a trip for the weekend, it's vital that you plan to go early. When busy, you can end up waiting for 1-2 hours to ride a single ride. So beat the crowds to the popular rides and devote the busy part of the day to performances, ga mes, character shops, and arcades to avoid a headache.
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